Christian Benteke Q&A: Eden Hazard envy, LeBron James inspiration, Arsenal appreciation

Image: Exclusive Facebook Live interview - Christian Benteke

Ahead of Crystal Palace v Chelsea, live on Sky Sports 1 on Saturday lunchtime, Christian Benteke answers your questions in an exclusive Q&A on Facebook Live.

Chelsea have a chance to pull nine points clear at the top against Benteke's side, who went down 2-1 at home to Manchester United on Wednesday to leave them sitting precariously above the relegation zone.

He took time out from preparing to face the title favourites to speak to us in a revealing Facebook Live Q&A session, where he said who the best player he's played with is and his view on the recent defeat against United....

Your thoughts on Chelsea?

Obviously they are in good shape. It will be another tough test for us. We will try our hardest to get a good result.

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How important is Eden Hazard?

When Hazard is on top of his form he's one of the best players in the Premier League. But this year it's not only him at Chelsea, it's the whole squad. They look really strong.

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Jeff Stelling and Paul Merson look ahead to the early kick-off on Saturday between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park. Watch the game live on Sky

Were you unlucky against Manchester United?

We didn't deserve to lose. When you look at the first goal, you can clearly see it's handball - but that's behind us now.

Who are your best friends at Crystal Palace? 

Wilfried Zaha and Bakary Sako.

How good is Zaha?

Zaha is one of the best wingers in the league. This year he is more consistent and he's showing everyone his big talent. He can score, he can assist. I'm really happy to play alongside him.

Image: Wilfried Zaha is having a fine season for Palace

Who has the worst taste in music at Crystal Palace?

Damien Delaney. He likes rock and roll. I like hip-hop and R&B.

Best player you have played with?

I will say Hazard as he's my friend!

What is your celebration all about?

I'm a big, big, fan of LeBron James. I follow a lot of his games. That's his celebration so I'm inspired by him.

Image: Benteke takes inspiration from LeBron James

Your favourite goal?

Every goal! But the one that sticks out is the one against Manchester United for Liverpool. It was a nice one. But I love all of my goals.

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Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?

Messi. God gave him his talent. He shows it every weekend and we enjoy to watch it. It's not that I don't like Ronaldo, but football is in Messi's blood.

Who was your idol growing up?

Thierry Henry, but now I'm a grown man it's different. It's a professional thing. He knows I was one of his fans when I was young. I really like him as a person.  

Watch a preview of Saturday's Premier League fixtures including Crystal Palace v Chelsea and West Brom v Man United

Who did you support growing up?

Arsenal. At the time they had some great players. I was a huge fan due to their style of play. My Belgian team was Standard Liege - it is the city that I come from.

What one attribute would you like to add to your game? 

I'd like to be as sharp as Philippe Coutinho or Eden Hazard.

Paul Merson selects his fantasy six-a-side team ahead of Crystal Palace v Chelsea

How do you feel about Aston Villa?

Aston Villa are still in my heart. They gave me the chance to be the player that I am today. It's never easy to be relegated and the Championship is a tough league. I've followed their results and they have some good players. Hopefully they'll get back to the Premier League.

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